The beginning of the movie immediately reveals Makinami Mari Illustrious to be a pilot of the Provisional Evangelion Unit-05. She was sent to destroy the resuscitated skeleton of the Third Angel in its attack on NERV’s arctic Bethany Base. Mari was able to successfully defeat the Angel by self-destructing her unit,and ejecting at the last minute to avoid her own death.
I guess Evangelion’s 4-part theatrical remake really made an impact on the con goers this year. Thanks again for the contribution, Quince!